iPad Pro Keyboard "This accessory is not supported by this device"

I have recently become aware of this issue and contacted Apple support.

I tried the software update, removing the keyboard prior to the update. The Ipad Pro restarted, I then connected the keyboard and the alert 'accessory is not supported by this device' appeared.

I tried the hard restart (holding the home and power buttons down until the apple logo appears) as well. I removed the keyboard before beginning the hard restart. I saw the alert 'accessory is not supported by this device' again.

I've cleaned the connections on both the Ipad Pro and keyboard, I've wiped the groove clear of any debris to no avail.

I've spent 1 hour and 30 minutes on the phone with apple support so far and I get the impression that this is my fault for buying an apple product to work with an apple product.

The first solutions provided were to take it to a Best Buy (Apple stores are closed) or mail it in for service/repair/replacement.

My children need this to work--it is supposed to be their 'computer' to continue learning from home. That's how Apple advertised and marketed this device and the accessories. Without this device working properly my children cannot type their answers and complete their school work. The last day I could pick up a tablet from the school to use at home was three weeks ago, our schools are now closed for the year.

I cannot believe that Apple wouldn't be more helpful to educators and those of us who are trying to maintain what little sense of normalcy (read; educating from home) we have left during this time.

I am using this experience in the same way people are recognizing companies that have either supported or abandoned their employees during this crazy time.

I wanted to add that 'Destiny' and 'Lauren', the two people from Apple support did what they could to help. The operators are limited by Apple and they are in no way guilty of anything other than trying to help (although without asking the questions your level of help will vary).

Update: Apple support asked me to send the following to the 'engineering dept'; the diagnostics, screen recordings of the alert appearing on the screen, screenshots of the alert on the screen, and a screenshot of settings>keyboard screen. Apple will call me on 4.10.2020 with a response.

I gave up a few time ago and ordered a Refurb Logitech Keyboard on Amazon that turned out to be just amazing. Beautiful keys and backlight.

Now my only question is how I lived 2 years without this beauty: Logitech iPad Pro 12.9 inch Keyboard Case | SLIM COMBO with Detachable, Backlit, Wireless Keyboard and Smart Connector (Black) (Renewed) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J2MG854/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_8jKJEb543YK0H

I’m planning to upgrade to a 2020 iPad Pro of the same 12.9” size on the next months, and will pass this one to my son. I won’t even bother buying the new Apple keyboard.

I will stick to Logitech.

I used the magnet “fix” and it worked !!! Could not believe I have been dealing with this for months!

I have a 2017 I Pad Pro and just out of 3 year warranty - Thank You IPODGE for the suggestion - made sense but I would never have thought of it - Software problem - HA!

Adding my note here so that Apple knows it's a real issue. I've had my iPad Pro for all of 2 months and have gotten this message several times within 15 minutes tonight. I always keep my iPad inside of a soft case and the contacts are spotless. If I reconnect the iPad, I'll be able to type using the keyboard for up to a minute before I see the "not supported" error. For the price paid, and the "legendary design" promise, this is nothing short of a huge disappointment. How are you the market leader and you can't even design a keyboard that retains a connection over a physical contact? This really takes the "magic" out of the experience.

I posted earlier that I bought the magnets and that they worked. Sadly, that is just a temporary fix and you have to do it over and over again to use the keyboard. I have given up and put the keyboard back in its box for a while because of the frustration that it has caused me. The first year that I owned the keyboard it worked absolutely fine, then I started getting the message "This accessory is not supported by this device". I am wondering if one of the upgrades has caused this problem. The main reason I bought the pro iPad was for the use of the keyboard....now, it only works temporarily at best. I find it mind boggling that an Apple IT person has not come up with a fix for those of us that own a keyboard for our iPads...guess that they just don't care.

This same thing is happening to me. I have the message "this accessory is not supported by this device" pop up about every couple seconds repeatedly. It makes my iPad difficult to use. I can no longer connect my Smart Keyboard. This happened within a few months of purchasing it. I asked an apple employee and they showed me that I had to push on the side of the keyboard to get the magnets aligned EVERY time I attached it for use. This became a pain but now this technique no longer works. Keyboard will not connect regardless of what I do. Very disappointed. I agree that this is a software issue with the keyboard not user error. Wish apple would do something to fix it. I would just buy a new one but I'm sure the same thing would happen after a few months.

I think we should all post to Apple's Twitter page. Companies tend not to reply until you go public on their social media page. This is ridiculous that they're not doing anything about it. It's not only that we bought a keyboard that doesn't work, but it then renders the ipad unusable as stated in Genevieve Clemons comment above. Sometimes you can't clear the error message out because it keeps popping up non stop to where you can't use the ipad.

My iPad Pro keyboard regularly fails to connect to my iPad. When I attach the keyboard it may work sometimes or I get no response from the keyboard at all or I get the error message "This accessory is not supported by this device."

This is the second keyboard I have purchased to use with my iPad with the first one having similar issues.

Sadly, this particular device was not well designed for long term use.

I am now on my third replacement and after less than six months the last replacement keyboard is not working with my iPad. I have contacted Apple and now they are saying it’s out of Warranty therefore nothing can be done,yet my keyboard replacement prior to the latest was also out of warranty and yet they were able to change it at that time . I agree totally with the comments of others here that there should have been a full recall on these devices and a full investigation to the product should have been carried out as we are not purchasing a cheap item!

Apple needs to pay more respect to their customers and not to fob them off with answers , ie;” i it’s a Third party item”. This is not acceptable as they are selling the keyboard under their name as an Apple accessory and promoting for the iPad/pro. I have been an Apple customer for many years and I am becoming very disillusioned with the lack of respect taken to get these things put right,what’s more they are still selling this keyboard 🥶. On that note I’ll finish here and let’s see if I get a response from “Apple”, i very much doubt it 😏

I have the same problem. Apple should NOT sell this keyboard nor bundle it with iPad Pro if this does not work. Seriously disappointed

If the "not-Smart Keyboard" is the culprit then Apple is responsible to immediately announce a recall to this product and replace it.

I have the same problem. My experience - it's nothing but the Smart Keyboard issue. We happen to have 3 Apple Smart Keyboards in our family. So the problem repeats with "my" keyboard, while our iPadPro 12.9 are working perfectly well with 2 other Keyboards. It's a pity it took the Smart Keyboard to go to crap within just 13 months.

Good to know.

I've had great success this far with a replacement Logitech keyboard-case. Very satisfactory performance; iPad pro 9.7.

yeah just go to apple store, forget about magnets!

i liked this idea, no magnet to hand.. then saw the fridge.. full of fridge magnates. Worked a treat 🙂 typing on keyboard to reply 🙂